





Christine and Svendor had their engagement party at the Sheraton PDX on Saturday, April 7, 2012.
We started the process on Friday at the Premenanda Temple in Tigard where Chrisitne, Svender and their parents participated in a traditional blessing ceremony by the Temple Priest. Later that evening we went to the Ram's family home in Happy Valley for the 'Henna Party' which was attended by a large gathering of family and friends.
The following evening, the formal 'engagement party was held at the Sheraton PDX. IT was beautifully staged and decorated. Svender did an exceptional job of proposing to his intended as evidenced by the laughter, the tears and the many comments of the family and friends present. How could it have been anything else; a Groom singing to his Bride, presenting the ring on bended knee, well done Svender!
Food - absolutely delicious, desserts - to die for, everything was perfect! It was the perfect start of the process that will be highlighted by the marriage of Christine and Svender this summer in India.


In a lovely traditional ceremony performed by the Manhattan Monk. The tartan was offered and the tartan was accepted, officially adding Katie as the newest member of Clan Corbett.
It has been a few years since I've seen a man in a Kilt. Carl wore it well, with dignity and pomp as he fended off admirers wanting to pet his fine fur Sporran.
Katie was quite a sight in her royal red (tending just a bit towards burgundy) Bridal Gown which was custom made by her sister. They made a very fine couple indeed. And they were a joy and a half to shoot being all lovey dovey and such.
The rain took a break just long enough to get Katie and Carl into the park for a few shots after getting ready (which for Carl included knocking back a pint!) at the downtown Vancouver Hilton. Then it was off to Hamilton Hall on the Fort Vancouver Historical Reserve.
The ceremony as previously mentioned, was a fine traditional Scots affair with a hand fasting, promises made which were sealed with a kiss.
The cake which was very fine indeed was provided by Papa Haydn's (cannot go wrong there!) A young relative of Carl's handled the music and announcements and did a fine job.
Dancing broke out around the music and there was a great deal of partying amongst all of the family and friends.



Mary and Brandon got married on Saturday at the Ainsworth House and Gardens. Do we have good weather karma or what, . . . three weather services said; rain, rain, rain, but nope, our weather luck held out once again and we even had a little bit of sun. Truth-be-told however the grounds were a little bit mushy and I have yet to be able to talk the groomsmen and bridesmaids into creating mud angels as I photograph them, alas, . . . someday maybe I'll shoot a trash the bridal party session!
The flowers were beautiful, provided by Alicia Flora Design and for only the second time in well over 600 weddings I drew blood while attaching a boutineer. Fortunately, sort of, it was my own and I was able to carry on despite my injury.
While Patrice photographed the girls getting ready for the day in the beautiful bridal room I took some time to play with the guys. I knew early on that this was not going to be a boring day, . . .
Due to the forecast weather, the mushiness of the grounds and the trouble that the staff went to to set up all of the chairs in the conservatory THAT's where we had the ceremony. In front of 100 or so family and friends Mary and Brandon listened to a wonderful, ceremony officiated by, . . . hmmm, another piece of information that did not seem to end up in my notes, but it was heartfelt and seemed to move the crowd, I saw a few tears, the rings were exchanged, there was a kiss or three and then off to the party, SCREEEECH!! time out, . . .off to the parlour of the manor house where we signed the certificate and gathered all of the guests for one massive group shot, . . .whew.
Then we went to the party. The festivities were shepherded by a fun and very capable dj named Frank from Bust-A-Move dj service, The buffet was pasta themed with yummy meatballs and a salad, according to Mary, "that's the biggest chef salad I've ever seen!" There were cupcakes at the party and a cake made by Coldstone. Frank was full of surprises such as a Bride and Groom Shoe Game, a full-contact version of Musical Chairs and even a stage performance himself, great moves Frank! Then it was time to throw the bouquet and garter and party on.
After we put our gear away we came back in the reception to party and have a beer with the crowd. This was definitely a fun group!



